Wine Shuttle FAQs

What time does the tour start?

Our Santa Barbara join-in wine tour is an all-day adventure typically lasting between 5 – 6 hours allowing time to savor each moment and indulge in Santa Barbara’s exquisite wines and views. The overall duration of the tour depends on where you join the tour. 

Morning departures from the Santa Barbara area are typically in the 10:00 hour, varying slightly with each hotel location. Expect to return in the late afternoon about 4-4:30 pm.

The Travel time from Westlake Village (Los Angeles)  to Santa Barbara Wine Country is 1.5 hrs. Pickup in Westlake is at 8:30. It is a 9-10 hour day if you depart from Westlake.

Where do I join the Tour?

Grape Adventures offers pick-up and drop-off service from central meeting locations, select hotels and residential areas.

* When you book your tour select the name and address location of your hotel on the drop-down window on the booking form.

Please do not wait at the pick-up area without a reservation!

We do not automatically stop at the meeting stops if a pick up is not prearranged.

For last minute reservations, call and text 805-267-9282

Approximate Pick Up Times:

8:45 – 9:00 am:   Westlake Village in North Los Angeles

Pick-up/Drop-off Location: The Stonehaus Restaurant and Vineyard, Westlake Village Inn: 32039 Agoura Rd, Westlake Village, CA – MAP

9:15 – 9:30 am:   Ventura, Oxnard

Pick-up / Drop-off in front of central meeting location: Mission Basilica San Buenaventura, 211 E Main Street, Ventura, CA – MAP

9:45 – 10:00 am:   Santa Barbara Area – Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, Carpinteria

Pick-up/Drop-off at your Hotel

or

Pick-up / Drop-off in front of central meeting location: Santa Barbara Amtrak Train Station, 209 State Street Santa Barbara, CA – MAP

10:45 -11:00am:   Santa Barbara Wine Country – Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Buellton, Ballard 

Pick-up / Drop-off at your Hotel or a central meeting location:

General Store, Los Olivos, CA, 2900 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA

How long is the tour?

Our Santa Barbara join-in wine tour is an all-day adventure typically lasting between 5 – 6 hours allowing time to savor each moment and indulge in Santa Barbara’s exquisite wines and views. The overall duration of the tour depends on where you join the tour. 

Morning departures from the Santa Barbara area are typically in the 10:00 hour, varying slightly with each hotel location. Expect to return in the late afternoon about 4-4:30 pm.

The Travel time from Westlake Village (Los Angeles)  to Santa Barbara Wine Country is 1.5 hrs. Pickup in Westlake is at 8:30. It is a 9-10 hour day if you depart from Westlake.

On a wine tour, how many Wineries do we visit?

Customizable.

We will visit 3 wineries or you can substitute a winery for a tasting at the wine villages of Solvang or Los Olivos… Your choice! We typically spend an hour to 1:15 hrs at each location. This allows for an immersive experience without feeling rushed, giving you ample time to appreciate the winery’s unique offerings and ask any questions you might have about their wines or winemaking process.

Do I need a reservation?

Yes. Grape Adventures offers scheduled pickups only, so reservations are required. Please book online as soon as you have determined your tour date and pick-up location.

Be sure to select a pick-up location on the dropdown menu during booking

What type of vehicles do you use?
Our primary vehicle is newer model Mercedes Sprinter with leather seats, high ceilings, and large picture windows. For larger groups we use various makes and sizes of luxury buses.

How much wine is served during a tasting?
Most wineries serve 4 to 6 one-ounce pours of different wines you select from their menu. After visiting a few wineries, these seemingly small tastings can add up to close to a bottle of wine, making it very important to have a designated driver.

How much do wine tastings cost?

Tasting fees at the wineries are not included and are charged by the wineries. The cost of visiting a winery can vary widely depending on the vineyard and the type of experience you are looking for.

We can help you select wineries with warm & friendly service, and excellent wines that are moderately priced. Wine tasting fees in Santa Barbara Wine Country typically run about $25-$30 per tasting.  Most wineries will waive the tasting fee if you purchase a certain number of bottles of wine to go. The number of bottles required varies from winery to winery.

Is this tour escorted by a group leader or host?
Yes, this tour is escorted by a Grape Adventures host who will take care of all of the details before and throughout your tour.

Can I cancel my tour?
Yes.

Private tours: Cancellation terms depend upon the location of the tour.

Join in tours: If you need to cancel outside of 24 hours of your tour, we will refund you 100%. If your trip is within 24 hours, we will credit you for a future trip.

Am I required to purchase wine from the wineries?
No, you are not obligated to purchase wine from the winery.

However, if you enjoyed the wine, the best way to support local wineries is to take home a few bottles. Your Grape Adventures host can store your purchased wine in the air-conditioned tour vehicle.

Is lunch included on the tour?
No. However food is available to be purchased through out the day. For wine tours, picnic lunches are available for purchase. You may enjoy them at one of the wineries or vineyards we visit.

Are there any additional fees?
There is an online booking fee. Please To avoid this fee, you may fill out a credit card authorization form. Taxes and fuel surcharges are included. Gratuity for the host and driver is at your discretion.

 Are gratuities included?
No. Customers may provide gratuity at their discretion to their host and driver at the end of their tour as a personal “thank you” for a job well done.